Community News

The great skiff race

The Deltaville Maritime Museum’s Skiff Race last Saturday was the culminating event of Family Boatbuilding Week, where experienced artisans pass on the tradition of wooden boatbuilding to enthusiasts of all ages. (Photos by Larry S. Chowning)

by Kaptain Krunch

Seems like a broken record, but the family boatbuilding skiffs were once again the best ever. Now numbering 80, these little jewels are everywhere and none of them are planters yet.

We had young and old, rich and poor—a cross section of humanity—all working together with common purpose. Tote those boards, drive those nails, sore muscles, but an inner satisfaction born of honest toil can’t be underestimated.

Hats off to our hard-working volunteers—John Cougill and son Cameron, Jack Bibb, and Lester Van Winkle, who filled the void without complaint.

Speaking of voids, these boats were so carefully put together that “leakiest” was a tough call. Nevertheless, our chosen sinker had a pump on board for the race, and it was a natural weapon aimed at the girls in another boat. They crossed the line backwards—a first amid gleeful squeals. Remember when girls were to be grossed out? Some things never change.

After the race on Saturday, we had a dandy fish fry, thanks to Bill and his crew, with live music by Bob Zentz and Jeanne McDougal. Remember them from last year at this time? They wrote and performed the music for the Stingray Point Story. Bob is known as the Bay Troubadour and a saltier pair you’ll never hear.

So thanks again to our participants and our volunteers. We’ll catch our breath and plan for the next year.

This weekend brings our next Farmers’ Market. Get your fresh veggies if you don’t have a garden. Of course you can just leave your car unlocked, but you tend to end up with a load of huge zucchini. Ain’t Deltaville great!